Is it OK to weld Tie Downs to Frame

The great and powerful OZ predicts that you will get the following answers to your question:

"some people say it can weaken the integrity of the frame rails and others saying they have done it many times. Also, it sounds like shorting out the electronics could be an issue." :W

On a previous truck of mine (three trucks back), I had a fabricated tie-down fixture for the front tie-downs welded to the frame. No problems with the frame of that truck. I eventually had it removed and transferred to the truck that replaced it, but had it modified so it could be bolted to the frame (drilled holes in the frame). No problems with that truck's frame either........from the tie-down fixture that is. I also put air-bags on that truck, the kind that you had to drill holes for, and those holes developed cracks around them.

So of the two options, drilling or welding (assuming using existing holes is not an option) I'd choose welding.

:):)

There isn't a canned blamket answer to your question. It depends on if any welding is done in a stress area or in an area not subject to high stresses. Also on how the welding is done and as some welders will burn literally thru and/or leave thinned areas or even a large area while others will lay layered beads of weld and allow to cool down between layers. Some welders welds look like bird droppings and others have fine fillet beads of structural welds.

Is there a reason a tie down made to fit bracket that can't be bolted to holes drilled thru the frame in a non-stressed area or by using some holes already in the frame? I don't have a problem welding to the frame as I know where the non-stressed areas are and I know how to weld correctly to a frame. All welding could be done on the brackets and then securely bolted to the frame.

I wouldn't weld to the frame. Bolting to the frame is ok, and since it is fairly easy as well that would be my first option. Worse case add a backing plate on the other side of the frame and weld a plate to the receiver.

I had the rear torklift tie downs that slipped into the factory hitch. After I upgraded to a Reese Titan hitch I used the same tie downs, but had them shortened and a steel plate welded on the end. I then bolted them to the side of the Titan hitch. Maybe you can use your rear hitch as a mounting point and not the frame. Now you just have to come up with something for the fronts.